South Asian Canadian Muslims in British Columbia

South Asian Canadian Muslims in Canada are a diverse group who have advocated for spaces to practice their religion and faced challenges along the way. This project records their stories to deepen understanding of the South Asian Canadian Muslim experience, especially in British Columbia (BC).

The project gathers these stories through interviews, research and historical records. Viewing Islam as a mosaic, it focuses on the traditions and lived experiences of BC’s South Asian Canadian Muslim community. The South Asian Canadian Muslim community is made up of new immigrants and early settlers from the start of the 20th century. Recognizing that this project will be a first step in preserving these histories, we aim to provide a foundation for future researchers, artists and community members to continue documenting the stories of South Asian Muslims in BC.

We welcome any feedback that can help us enhance this project by writing to us at sasi@ufv.ca or contacting us at 604-854-4547.

Historical Photographs

Explore historical photographs documenting the journies, traditions, and community life of South Asian Canadian Muslims in British Columbia. Click on any image to view it in full size.

About the Project

The South Asian Canadian Muslims in British Columbia (SACMBC) project is an online exhibit developed and thoughtfully curated by the South Asian Studies Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley between 2024 and 2025. The online exhibit is housed within the South Asian Canadian Digital Archive (SACDA). The project seeks to create a foundational understanding of the South Asian Canadian Muslim communities in BC. This is a starting point to build a more robust engagement with the diverse communities and their experiences across Canada. What you will find here is the history of migration and settlement, oral history narratives of contemporary South Asian Canadian Muslims in BC, a recent timeline of significant events and many reading resources for you to explore.

We thankfully acknowledge the financial support of our funders and the support of our partners.

Thumbnail photo credits:
Community members at Bear Creek Community Hall on the last day of Ramadan (1995). [Photograph : b&w]. Surrey Leader Photograph Fonds (F62-0-5-0-0-10-0-248). Surrey Archives, City of Surrey, Surrey, Canada.

 

Explore Our Content

Historical Journey

Explore the migration and settlement of South Asian Canadian Muslims in British Columbia across different time periods:

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Community Life

Explore the lived experiences of South Asian Canadian Muslims in BC through personal narratives and contemporary profiles:

Oral Histories

Personal narratives and interviews from community members

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Contemporary Personalities

Influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers today

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Research Resources

Access academic research, articles, books and other resources about South Asian Canadian Muslims.

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Participate

Contribute to this living archive by sharing your personal experience or family history.

How to contribute →